About Us

History – Pine Forest Then and Now

Pine Forest Then…

In its heyday, The Pine Forest Inn, was a premier resort on the East Coast and favorite stop for the moneyed crowd who enjoyed golf, hunting and horse-racing along with the garden-like setting in historic Summerville.

The Pine Forest Inn was a rambling three-story wood building that contained 200 guest rooms, dining rooms capable of serving more than 250 guests, ballrooms, private parlors, wine and smoking rooms. The entire structure had elaborate woodworking, giving the place a majestic appearance. Every room in the Inn was furnished with a fireplace, and later on, steam heat, the last word in modern conveniences at the time. Additionally, the Inn had its own 900-foot well, known for it’s medicinal qualities. This majestic state-of-the-art complex was even replete with its own power plant, dairy, hennery, telegraph office and long-distance telephone service.

The recreational amenities of the Inn were numerous and diverse. The amenities of the day included an 18-hole golf course, 2,000 acres of hunting grounds, elaborate stables, tennis courts, a croquet pitch, fishing areas, three bowling alleys, a billiards room and a shuffle board area. And of course, excursion trips to Tea Farm, Middleton Place and Magnolia Gardens were also available if patrons wanted to take a walk through gardens and experience the peace of the area’s unique natural beauty.

The heyday of the Inn lasted from 1891 into the 1930′s. Unfortunately, the combination of the depression, World War II and an increased interest in resorts in Florida had a devastating effect on the Inn and eventually forced it to close. When the Inn was finally dismantled in the 1950′s, many Summerville residents obtained pieces of the Inn’s mantle and woodworking as a memento of Summerville’s Golden Age.

Pine Forest Now…

The Twenty-First Century version of Pine Forest offers an impressive array of recreational opportunities reminiscent of its’ historic predecessor. Pine Forest has been called Summerville’s “Most Family Oriented Country Club Community”.

The 18-hole golf course was recently rated four stars by Golf Digest placing it in the top 5% of courses in the United States. The course has earned the nickname “the hidden gem”. Five sets of tees are available so that players of all ability levels can enjoy the unique challenges provided by the course. Our PGA golf professionals are also available to help you improve your game through a variety of lessons and clinics.

The lighted tennis complex is also considered one of the finest in the region with its’ ten meticulously maintained clay courts, while the junior Olympic size swimming pool allows members and their families to take a refreshing dip to cool down on a hot summer day and enjoy our unique cabana bar.